Renewed Galamsey Fight, A Final Solution or A “Fixed” Political Football Match?

The renewed fight against galamsey (illegal mining) in Ghana has become a focal point once again as the 2024 general elections approach. This issue, which has long plagued the country, is now raising deeper questions about whether the government is genuinely committed to ending the illegal mining activities or if the fight is simply a political tool—one that will be played out like a “fixed” football match to score electoral points.

The Galamsey Crisis and Political Rhetoric

Historically, election periods in Ghana have seen various national issues brought to the forefront, with political parties using them to either gain favor or tarnish their opponents. In the lead-up to the 2016 general elections, corruption was a major campaign issue. The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) accused the sitting government of then-President John Dramani Mahama of being corrupt and failing to address key national challenges. This message resonated with the electorate, leading to Mahama’s defeat by a margin of nearly one million votes—a historic outcome in Ghana’s electoral history. The NPP successfully framed Mahama as unfit to govern, with corruption allegations contributing significantly to the electoral loss.

Fast forward to 2024, and galamsey is emerging as a critical issue in much the same way. Illegal mining, or galamsey, has been a menace for decades, with severe environmental and health impacts. The fight against it gained momentum in 2017 when the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, led by Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, launched a campaign on April 4, 2017, to draw attention to the problem. President Akufo-Addo’s administration took over the fight and promised to take decisive action. His now-famous quote, “I shall put my presidency on the line,” indicated the level of seriousness with which the government purportedly approached the issue. Many Ghanaians were hopeful that this was the beginning of the end for galamsey.

Broken Promises and Worsening Conditions

Despite the strong rhetoric, however, the situation has only worsened. While the government initially introduced measures, such as the ban on small-scale mining and the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), evidence suggests these efforts have failed to stem the tide. Drone footage and investigative journalism have revealed vast areas of Ghana’s forests and rivers destroyed by galamsey activities. Poisonous chemicals like mercury and cyanide have polluted water bodies, putting local communities at risk and leading to long-term environmental degradation.

Even more alarming are the health consequences. Reports from medical professionals and civil society organizations indicate that mercury contamination is now detectable in water sources and food supplies. This has led to the dictation of neonatal birth disorders in mining-affected communities. Children are reportedly being born with severe deformities, including six fingers, three legs, and ambiguous genitalia. These birth defects have been described as a “ticking time bomb” by the Paediatric Society of Ghana, underscoring the urgent need for action.

Civil Society and Labor Unions Take a Stand

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a coalition of civil society organizations and labor unions has launched a renewed call for the government to halt all small-scale mining activities until a comprehensive solution can be devised. Among these groups are the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Women in International Security (WIIS), and Organised Labour. They are demanding immediate government action by the end of September 2024, threatening further actions if their demands are not met.

This development is significant because it suggests a growing consensus among key stakeholders that the government’s response to galamsey has been inadequate. For the first time in years, labor unions, which traditionally focus on workers’ rights and economic issues, are joining forces with environmental and health advocates to demand meaningful action. This puts additional pressure on the government, which now faces the challenge of either responding with concrete, effective measures or risking political fallout.

The Political Game: A “Fixed” Football Match?

Despite the mounting pressure, there is growing cynicism among many Ghanaians that the fight against galamsey may once again become a tool for political manipulation, especially as the 2024 elections draw near. The history of Ghana’s political landscape shows that issues like galamsey tend to be most vigorously addressed during election years, only for efforts to wane once the elections are over.

In 2020, galamsey was a key campaign issue, with the opposition accusing the Akufo-Addo administration of failing to maintain its initial gains in the fight against illegal mining. The government, on the other hand, argued that it had made significant progress but that the opposition’s approach would undo these achievements. Now, four years later, many feel the situation has gone from bad to worse, with little tangible improvement on the ground.

This raises the question: Is the renewed fight against galamsey a genuine war or a carefully staged political game? With elections just around the corner, the government may once again make bold promises and launch high-profile initiatives to appear committed to the cause. However, these efforts may merely be a temporary measure to appease voters, only to be abandoned after the polls close.

A Moment of Truth

The upcoming months will be telling. If the government fails to respond decisively to the demands of civil society and labor unions, it risks facing significant backlash from the electorate. The stakes are high, as galamsey is no longer just an environmental issue—it is a matter of public health, economic sustainability, and the future of Ghana’s natural resources.

Moreover, the opposition party is likely to seize on any perceived failure by the government to use galamsey as a campaign tool, much like the NPP used corruption against the Mahama administration in 2016. If the issue becomes a central talking point in the election, the pressure on the government to act could intensify. But if the response is viewed as politically motivated rather than sincere admission, the fight against galamsey may once again devolve into a “fixed” football match, where promises are made to win votes, but little is done once the game is over. In conclusion, the renewed galamsey fight is at a crossroads. Will it be a genuine effort to tackle one of Ghana’s most pressing issues, or will it fall victim to the same political machinations that have plagued previous attempts? Time will tell.